A SOLDIER covered himself and his car with petrol while fleeing from police at over 100mph, a court heard today.

Lance Corporal Mark Garthwaite had threatened to kill his wife and said he would take his own life during a visit to family in Boldon Colliery, South Tyneside, in August this year.

Newcastle Crown Court heard how Garthwaite, a non-commissioned officer who had served in Iraq, was chased by up to six police cars a helicopter before he brought his vehicle to a halt.

Trouble started when the Coldstream Guard and his wife Claire had come to the North-East to visit family in Boldon Colliery.

An argument erupted whch resulted in Mrs Garthwaite staying at her sister's home, while her husband stayed elsewhere.

The 30-year-old, based at Catterick Garrison in North Yorkshire, then bombarded his wife with telephone calls threatening to kill her and kill himself.

The situation came to a climax on August 8 when he turned up at her sister's home with a petrol can.

Prosecutor Bridie Smurthwaite told the court: "In a telephone call he said he would kill himself.

"When he arrived outside her sister's home she could see he was waiving around a petrol can and lighter. He drove off at speed."

Mrs Garthwaite contacted the police, who in turn contacted Garthwaite and arranged to meet him in Cleadon.

But he sped past the rendevous point, prompting the police pursuit.

HE was followed along the New Road in Boldon at speeds of up to 70 mph and onto Newcastle Road.

Drivers were forced to swerve and brake to avoid a collision.

Ms Smurthwaite added: "As he was pursued along the A184 he took out the can, they saw him waving the can out of the driver's window.

"He poured the petrol from that can onto himself and the car whle driving at speed.

"They believed he would set himself alight."

Garthwaite then took to the A194 and the A182 travelling in excess of 100mph.

Video footage from the police helicopter was played to the court yesterday which showed Garthwaite driving at speed away from the patrol cars before the finally pulled his car over and was arrested.

He told pollice in inteview he had "lost it a bit" and admitted he just "drove like an idiot".

Garthwaite admitted putting a person in fear of violence by harrassment and dangerous driving.

In a victim personal statment Mrs Garthwaite said wants her husband to stay away from her for good.

And added: "I honestly think Mark would have carried out his threat to kill me."

The court heard how Garthwaite may be allowed to remain in the army and hopes to follow his regiment to Afghanistan in the new year.

Major Julian Salisbury gave evidence on his behalf, saying he believed the army would be likely to want him to continue his 12 year service.

Defence barrister Robert Adams told the court how Garthwaite was his commanding officer's driver and bodyguard in Iraq.

Mr Adams said Garthwaite was trained in evasive driving, avoiding bombs and roadside traps, and is a competent driver, though he accepted other road users and the police that day would not have been aware of that fact.

Mr Adams said; "He extends his complete and total apology to those members of Northumbria Police he inconvenienced and other road users. It was entirely out of character."

Mr Adams said Garthwaite wishes to return to active service as soon as he can.

He added: "I do not think there is a prison in the country with conditions worse than Afghanistan."

Judge Guy Whitburn said the officers involved demonstrated good police work in ending the situation safely and without putting any members of the public at risk.

The judge said the driving was "hair-raising" but accepted he had a good reputation as a soldier.

Judge Whitburn said he had considered a custodial sentence.

But he added: "I draw back from a direction that would deprive the army of a highly commended officer."

Garthwaite was sentenced to a communtiy order for two years with programme requirements.

He was banned from driving for two years and given a restraining order banning any contact with his wife for two years.

The judge said Garthwaite's service for his country gave him "considerable credit".